GPS selection help

deshet · #1 01-03-2007, 12:32 AM

I am looking at buying a GPS unit for the V20.

I want a color unit.

I think I want a built in antenna.

I have been looking a the garmin 172C

and the lowrance LMS-334C.

I want to spend under $500. I like the idea of having a Fishfinder and a GPS unit together.

I just want to know if you guys can recommend any other GPS units.

I also want to know if getting a combo Fishfinder/GPS is a good idea.

I plan on buying the extra chart the add more detail for my area.

I live in VA, and mainly fish the Chesapeake Bay area.

Ebay seems to be the Cheapest place that I have found for the GPS units.

thanks

brianct12 · #2 01-03-2007, 01:22 AM

I think you could find a good buy (that meets your wish list) on EBAY over the winter. Also, keep a constant eye on Boaters World and West Marine (maybe others too) - they may have some super deals on discontinued models - that wont last long. I cant recommend a model or brand though - as I just bought my very first GPS/FF myself (Lowrance) a few months ago. Good luck.

Hammerhead · #3 01-03-2007, 02:15 AM

I hava Garmin 182 I bought at boaters World. It's not color but works A-OK. Does get me thru the dark'o'night real nice....not to mention to fav fishing spots.

willy · #4 01-03-2007, 03:28 AM

I have the Lowrance 3500C , it is a GPS only, I have the separate flush mounted non color fish finder/sounder. I have used the units with both on the same screen and did not care for them with my eyes. Having the 5.5" screen for each side by side helps me. Plus there is redundancy in that it is unlikely both units crap out. In my area I fish having a depth finder and a paper chart along with a compass I can get myself about anywhere. If the finder craps I know the depths by my GPS charts.
Everyone is different though and some guys like having the split screen and or toggling back and forth. I would suggest you go and look at a few at a dealer like West Marine or a boat show. I bought Lowrance and Garmin but from what I have seen lately the graphics and display quality on the Nav Man equipment would make me look again that is for sure.

macojoe · #5 01-03-2007, 05:29 AM

I have a Garmin 162 Chart plotter B&W I love the thing! I will use till it breaks, then I would like to get a color that I can see in the sun light

reelapeelin · #6 01-03-2007, 09:23 AM

Look at the Lowrance 334 ...

Airslot · #7 01-03-2007, 11:06 AM

I'd look at Navman as well.

Airslot

Franco · #8 01-03-2007, 11:09 AM

I have a NAVMAN GPS/Chartplotter, it does an awesome job, and its color

reelapeelin · #9 01-03-2007, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airslot

I'd look at Navman as well.

Airslot

Navman's what the Grand Pubah of the Norton Snagger Fishing Team uses ... ;) ... pretty good endorsement I'd say 8) ...

deshet · #10 01-03-2007, 01:09 PM

I have been looking at the Navman on ebay what models do you guys have?

Do they have their own form of blue chart?

I am also kinda of confused.

Some people say chartplotter/sounder and some say
dual Frequency Transducer.

I just want someone to explain the difference and tell me what I need.